Like many local residents I was incensed to learn that the Grangegorman Recycling Centre has closed on Saturdays. This action was taken by the management of Dublin City Council without any consultation with the local councillors or the Environment and Engineering Strategic Policy Committee of which I am a member. I have tabled motions and questions to the manager calling for the immediate re-opening of this facility. The manager has stated that the decision was made given the current financial constraints on the Council’s budget and he is not prepared to reverse the decision at this time.
The centre is invaluable for many families who can only do their recycling at weekends. Moreover, the failure of Greyhound to deliver bags for the green collection in the area has exacerbated the problem for many residents. I will continue to raise the matter until the centre re-opens on Saturdays.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Grand Slam Winning Irish Rugby Team Welcomed Home to Civic Reception
On Sunday 22nd March I had the great privilege of welcoming home the Irish Grand Slam winning Rugby team at a civic reception in the Mansion House in my capacity as Deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin. It was certainly a day to remember. The following is the text of my address to the reception. (Photos to follow).
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome our Grand Slam winning Rugby squad, Declan Kidney and his management team, President and Committee of the Irish Rugby Football Union, Public representatives and distinguished guests to the city's premier residence, The Mansion House, Dublin.
As Deputy Lord Mayor I wholeheartedly congratulate the Irish squad and management team on your wonderful success in this year’s Six Nations Championship.
You have given us five wonderful games of incredible football this season. You beat the best of European rugby along the way. You are simply the best.
And then to cap a perfect day, Bernard Dunne won the Super Bantam Weight World Title for Dublin and Ireland.
On behalf of the citizens of Dublin City and sporting fans all across the island of Ireland can I say how proud we are of your achievement in winning our first Grand Slam since 1948. Our first of the 21st Century. I'm sure we won't have to wait as long for the next!
I am aware that fans from all corners of the country are waiting anxiously on Dawson Street to show their appreciation and see their heroes in the flesh.
In conclusion on behalf of Dublin City Council and the people of Ireland can I say to you all, savour the moment, take in the atmosphere and once again thank you for the tremendous honour you have achieved for Ireland.
ADDRESS BY CLLR EMER COSTELLO
Deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin
At Civic Reception for
Irish Rugby Team
Sunday, 22 March, 2009
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome our Grand Slam winning Rugby squad, Declan Kidney and his management team, President and Committee of the Irish Rugby Football Union, Public representatives and distinguished guests to the city's premier residence, The Mansion House, Dublin.
As Deputy Lord Mayor I wholeheartedly congratulate the Irish squad and management team on your wonderful success in this year’s Six Nations Championship.
You have given us five wonderful games of incredible football this season. You beat the best of European rugby along the way. You are simply the best.
And then to cap a perfect day, Bernard Dunne won the Super Bantam Weight World Title for Dublin and Ireland.
On behalf of the citizens of Dublin City and sporting fans all across the island of Ireland can I say how proud we are of your achievement in winning our first Grand Slam since 1948. Our first of the 21st Century. I'm sure we won't have to wait as long for the next!
I am aware that fans from all corners of the country are waiting anxiously on Dawson Street to show their appreciation and see their heroes in the flesh.
In conclusion on behalf of Dublin City Council and the people of Ireland can I say to you all, savour the moment, take in the atmosphere and once again thank you for the tremendous honour you have achieved for Ireland.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
International Women's Day 2009
Pictured at the Launch of the Dublin City Council
International Women's Day Programme
Photo 1: Speakers at the Launch event: Anne Henrick, Janice Lau Burke, Salomé Mbugua, Ailbe Smith, Cllr Eibhlin Byrne, Cllr Emer Costello, Ruth Murray, Nadine MurphyPhoto 2: Cllr Emer Costello with Rose Henderson and Anne Henrick
International Women's Day Events 2009
The following activities will take place over the coming week and admission to all events is free although booking for some events will be essential:
Sunday 8th March
11.30 a.m. Let's Walk and Talk - Great Women of Dublin. Historical walking tour with Pat Liddy
Meet: Leave Fusilier's Arch, St Stephen's Green going to Liberty Hall for 2.30 p.m.
2.30 p.m. Liberty Hall Play “Ruby Tuesday”,
This comedy stars Rose Henderson (Father Ted) and Helen Norton (Paths to Freedom) and has been earning rave reviews for its performances nationwide
Thursday 5th March
Revolutionary Irish Women Doctors 1916 to the Civil War A talk by Anne MacLellan Venue: Cabra Library, 6.30 Admission Free, booking essential For Booking :Phone: 8691414 or email cabralibrary@dublincity.ie
Thursday 12th March
Information Session on Women in Politics
As part on the DCC International Women's Day Event Programme, two sessions have been organised for councillors and community group representatives to meet and discuss the role of women in political life. Councillors will answer questions on the 'life and times' of a local representative and facilitate discussion on women's participation in decision-making at a local level, the avenues and possible barriers to formal politics and the development of skills and experience.
Venue: Charleville Mall Library, North Strand, Dublin 1
Date: 12th March 2009 @ 2.00 p.m (to be confirmed, contact me for details emercostello@eircom.net )
IWD Working Group Background
The IWD Group was established last year on foot of a Labour Party Motion calling on the City Council to celebrate the political, social, cultural and economic contribution of women to the City of Dublin. Last year we focused on Women in Decision Making, and published a report "Every Step of the Way - Women and Decision Making in Dublin City".
This year, it was decided to have a community focus and to work with Dublin Public Libraries on a range of community and cultural events.
We launched the programme of activites on Sunday 1st March in the Mansion House. Speakers included Ailbhe Smith, founder of the Women's Education and Resource Cenre, and convenor of the Feminist Open Forum; Ruth Murray and Nadine Murphy from O'Devaney Gardens, Salomé Mbugua, the founder and national director of AkiDwA (the African Women’s Network Ireland), Janice Lau Burke, an accountant and partner with Crowley DFK, and Ann Henrick, who recently in collaboration with Maeve Binchy, published a book “A Time to Dance” which celebrates the life and experience if Irish senior citizens.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Deputy Lord Mayor, Emer Costello Launches Petition to Save the 172 Bus Route
Click here to Sign the petition to save the 172 Bus:
I am calling on Dublin Bus to reverse its decision to cut the 172 service which runs from Dunard to Kildare Street.
This is a very important route in my area and since the
announcement I have received numerous calls and emails from constituents who are concerned that the route is to be axed. The bus runs down through Stoneybatter and is a valuable lifeline for many elderly people in the area who use the service to do all the day-to-day activities, like shopping, going to the bank and collecting their
pension. It is also an important link between the National Museum in Kildare Street and the Museum at Collins Barracks, Benburb Street.
If Dublin Bus management were on the route particularly in the morning, it is a busy service that is utilised by people in the area; the bus also crosses town and it makes no sense to me to curb a service like that.
I am calling on Dublin Bus to reverse its decision to cut the 172 service which runs from Dunard to Kildare Street.
This is a very important route in my area and since the
announcement I have received numerous calls and emails from constituents who are concerned that the route is to be axed. The bus runs down through Stoneybatter and is a valuable lifeline for many elderly people in the area who use the service to do all the day-to-day activities, like shopping, going to the bank and collecting their
pension. It is also an important link between the National Museum in Kildare Street and the Museum at Collins Barracks, Benburb Street.
If Dublin Bus management were on the route particularly in the morning, it is a busy service that is utilised by people in the area; the bus also crosses town and it makes no sense to me to curb a service like that.
This really is a massive backward step, we are trying to get people out
of their cars and onto public transport and this announcement completely
flies in the face of that.”
I have launched a petition in the area seeking a commitment from Dublin Bus to keep the service. Concerned Dublin Bus 172 commuters can sign up to the petition online
launched today at by clicking here on the link to the petition
of their cars and onto public transport and this announcement completely
flies in the face of that.”
I have launched a petition in the area seeking a commitment from Dublin Bus to keep the service. Concerned Dublin Bus 172 commuters can sign up to the petition online
launched today at by clicking here on the link to the petition
I would be interested in hearing from concerned commuters if you wish to email your comments to emercostello@eircom.net or text to (087) 2865243
Sign the petition: http://www.petitiononline.com/172bus/petition.html
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Waste Depot at Rathdown Road
We requested Dublin City Council to review its operation of the Waste Management facility at Rathdown Road. We have received numerous complaints of the nuisance it is causing to local residents in terms of noise, litter, and smells emanating from the trucks. In particular the night time operations are causing much distress to residents who are kept awake by trucks revving their engines and travelling to and from the depot, and we requested Dublin City Council to relocate the night time activities pending the move to Ballyboggan Road. .
The waste management facility was due to move to the Dublin Industrial Estate at Ballyboggan Road, however there is still no sign of this move-taking place. A recycling facility will still remain in Grangegorman when the waste management centre moves.
We also received many queries from constituent in relation to the new layout at the recycling centre and the work to the wall which is a protected structure.
We received the following report in relation to these matters.
Report
§ The City Council will ensure that all steps are taken to minimise any nuisance to local residents in relation to the operation of the Grangegorman Depot
§ There are no plans at this time to remove night-time operations to another depot in the City.
§ Legal formalities for the acquisition of premises in Ballyboggan Industrial Estate are being completed at present. The development of a Depot at this location would take approximately a year to complete and will depend on finance being available to complete this project.
§ The wall is a Protected Structure and all works were carried out in consultation with the Conservation Section, Planning Department, Dublin City Council.
We are disappointed that the Council will not relocate the night operations to another centre.
Since putting down the question to the City Manager in January, we have been assured that notices have been placed in the centre informing drivers of the requirement to be aware that they are operating in a residential area and that every effort should be made to minimise noise, particularly at night time.
We would welcome any further feedback on the disturbance that the operation of this centre is causing to residents.
The waste management facility was due to move to the Dublin Industrial Estate at Ballyboggan Road, however there is still no sign of this move-taking place. A recycling facility will still remain in Grangegorman when the waste management centre moves.
We also received many queries from constituent in relation to the new layout at the recycling centre and the work to the wall which is a protected structure.
We received the following report in relation to these matters.
Report
§ The City Council will ensure that all steps are taken to minimise any nuisance to local residents in relation to the operation of the Grangegorman Depot
§ There are no plans at this time to remove night-time operations to another depot in the City.
§ Legal formalities for the acquisition of premises in Ballyboggan Industrial Estate are being completed at present. The development of a Depot at this location would take approximately a year to complete and will depend on finance being available to complete this project.
§ The wall is a Protected Structure and all works were carried out in consultation with the Conservation Section, Planning Department, Dublin City Council.
We are disappointed that the Council will not relocate the night operations to another centre.
Since putting down the question to the City Manager in January, we have been assured that notices have been placed in the centre informing drivers of the requirement to be aware that they are operating in a residential area and that every effort should be made to minimise noise, particularly at night time.
We would welcome any further feedback on the disturbance that the operation of this centre is causing to residents.
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